Each artifact found in Alberta offers a glimpse into the past, connecting us with the people who called these lands home before us. Stone tools and bones reveal remarkable hunts, clothing that was made, and the homes people built. Smoking pipes, buttons, earthenware, and gun flints connect us to the fur trade, Company trading posts, and other historic places. Together, these items tell the story of the people who have lived on these lands.
To preserve stories of the past, Alberta's archaeological sites are protected through the Historical Resources Act. Our collections have been built by professional archaeologists who have submitted artifacts as part of their permit requirements, as well as donations from private individuals.
- If you would like to make a request for research or collections access, please use this form.
- If you have found something you believe may be an artifact, please learn what to do next.
- For general inquiries or if you are a professional archaeologist who would like to schedule a submission, contact the RAM Archaeology team.
To learn more about the past, visit the Human History Hall to discover the stories behind Alberta’s most significant archaeological artifacts.